Monday, November 22, 2010

4 Red Flags to Look for During Holiday Visits With Parents

Gail M. Samaha

As the holidays approach, many long distance caregivers are now planning visits to their aging loved ones – perhaps the first opportunity in several months to personally observe older relatives.
And the number of caregivers considered long distance is significant. According to a study conducted by the National Alliance of Caregiving, in collaboration with AARP, 15% of the estimated 34 million Americans who provide care to older family members live an hour or more away from their relative.
For those who have relied on regular telephone conversations and assessment by other closer-living relatives to gauge aging parents' well-being, the upcoming holiday visit may be revealing. Absence – even for a short period – often allows us to observe a situation through new eyes…and the following changes may indicate the need to take action to ensure your aging relatives' safety and good health:
Weight Loss
One of the most obvious signs of ill health, either physical or mental, is weight loss. The cause could be as serious as cancer, dementia, heart failure or depression. Or it could be related to a lack of energy to cook for a loved one or just themselves, the waning ability to read the fine print on food labels or difficulty cleaning utensils and cookware. Certain medications and aging in general can change the way food tastes. If weight loss is evident, talk to your loved one about your concern and schedule a doctor's visit to address the issue.
Balance
Pay close attention to the way your parent moves, and in particular how they walk. A reluctance to walk or obvious pain during movement can be a sign of joint or muscle problems or more serious afflictions. And if unsteady on their feet, they may be at risk of falling, a serious problem that can cause severe injury or worse.

More Behaviors Caregivers Can Watch for in Aging Parents
Emotional Well-Being
Beware, too, of obvious and subtle changes in your loved ones' emotional well-being. You can't always gauge someone's spirits over the telephone, even if you speak daily. Take note for signs of depression, including withdrawal from activities with others, sleep patterns, lost of interest in hobbies, lack of basic home maintenance or personal hygiene. The latter can be an indicator not only of depression, but also of dementia or other physical ailments including dehydration, a serious condition sometimes overlooked in elders in the winter months. If you notice sudden odd behavior with your loved one, be sure to seek medical attention as it could be a urinary tract infection which is prevalent in elders and easily resolved with antibiotics.
Home Environment
Attention must also be paid to surroundings. For instance, your parent may have always been a stickler for neatness or for paying bills promptly. If you discover excess or unsafe clutter and mail that has piled up, a problem may exist. Also, keep an eye out for less obvious indications for concern. Scorched cookware, for example, could be a sign that your parent forgets if the stove is on. An overflowing hamper could mean he or she doesn't have the strength and/or desire to do laundry. And by all means, check prescription bottles for expiration dates; and make note of all prescriptions your family member takes and place that information in your personal files as well as the elder's wallet in case of an emergency.
There may be other areas of concern, specific to your family member. Should this year's holiday visit open your eyes to current and potential problems or negative changes in your parent's physical or emotional state, then it's time to put a plan of action in place.
Steps to take
Initial Conversation
First, have a heart-to-heart conversation with your elderly loved one about their present circumstances, concerns and the measures they'd like taken to make things better. Introduce the idea of a health assessment appointment with their primary care physician. Would they feel more at ease if a home health aide visited a couple times a week? Maybe they have legal questions and would greatly benefit from an appointment with an attorney. Or they may need help with housecleaning or bill paying.
Identify Resources
While you may want to keep things light during the holiday season, do take this opportunity to collect all necessary information now to avoid frustration and confusion in the event of a crisis down the road.
Pay a visit to the local Council on Aging or Town Hall for resources and services available in your parent's community. And get a copy of the local telephone book to take home with you – it will come in handy as you and your loved one create a "go to" list of services over time.
This list should include friends, neighbors, clergy, local professionals and all others who your family member has regular contact with. In fact, if you haven't already, take the time to visit with those friends and neighbors and make sure you have their addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail information and make a point to provide them with your contact information as well.
Prepare a To-Do List
Now is the time to begin compiling a to-do list to be implemented over a period of future visits. Medical information should include your loved one's health conditions, prescriptions and their doctor's names and contact numbers. A financial list should contain property ownership and debts, income and expenses, and bank account and credit card information. You should also have access to all of your parent(s) vital documents that could include their will, power of attorney, birth certificate, social security number, insurance policies, deed to their home, and driver's license.
And remember to give your loved ones the power and permission to be in control of their own lives – as much as is reasonable. The more systems you have in place the more your loved one will be kept independent and safe in their own home, giving you peace of mind as you return home from your holiday and future visits.

http://www.agingcare.com/Featured-Stories/136906/What-to-do-when-an-elderly-parent-s-health-is-declining.htm


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Friday, November 19, 2010

Veterans' Caregiving Often Falls to Spouse

96% of Veterans' Caregivers Are Women, and the Burden Can Be Heavy, Study Finds
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
Nov. 10, 2010 -- When veterans with service-related injuries or illness need caregivers, the role typically falls on women, usually spouses or partners, a new report finds.
The study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the United Health Foundation reports that 96% of veterans' caregivers are women, compared to an overall nationwide finding that 65% of family caregivers are women. The study also says that 70% of veterans' caregivers are their spouses or partners, compared to 6% nationally.
The youngest veterans requiring caregivers are those whose ranks are growing from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, says the report. More than 40% of veterans who need caregivers are between the ages of 18 and 54, the report finds.

Younger Veterans Receive Help From Parents and Family

About one in four (26%) of the youngest veterans are being cared for by parents who are likely to need more caregiving support as they age.
Conditions for which veterans need help differ widely, depending on when and in which war they served, the report says.
Among key findings:
  • 70% of caregivers say the veteran they help has a mental illness, such asdepression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder. Nationally, mental or emotional health problems are reported by only 28% of caregivers.
  • 29% of caregivers say their veteran has traumatic brain injury, 28% list diabetes, and 20% paralysis or spinal cord injury.
  • 80% of veterans' caregivers say they deal with two or more of the 10 specific conditions they were asked about, and 67% named additional conditions, with 24% mentioning problems such as bone, joint, or limb trouble, 12% hearing or ear problems, 9% heart conditions, and 9% neuropathy or nerve issues.
  • The time involvement for caregivers of veterans is also much greater than for other people, with 30% reporting being in their role for 10 years or more, compared to only 15% of caregivers of others nationally.

Toll of Caring for Veterans

"Not only are caregivers of veterans in their role for a longer period, but their burden of care is also heavier -- 65% are in a high-burden caregiving situation, compared to 31% nationally," the report says. "The increased burden is due to a greater likelihood of helping with activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, feeding and dealing with incontinence."
The burden on caregivers also can affect their physical and mental health, the report says. Those who take care of veterans with mental problems, including PTSD and depression, are much more likely to report feeling emotionally stressed, isolated, and financially pressed. The report says that:
  • 68% of caregivers of veterans feel highly stressed, compared to 31% of those who take care of other adults nationally.
  • Among the 30% of veterans' caregivers who have children under 18 in their homes, two-thirds report spending less time with their kids than they would like.
  • 57% of veterans' caregivers said their children or grandchildren had emotional or school problems as a result of their caregiving or the veteran's condition.
  • 60% of caregivers report declines in healthy behaviors, such as going to the dentist or their own doctor.

The study was based on an online survey of adult caregivers who provide care to a veteran whose injury or illness is related to military service. The report also includes finding from focus groups that discussed caregiving and telephone interviews with people from the online survey. The report puts the total number of survey respondents at 462.

http://women.webmd.com/news/20101109/veterans-caregiving-often-falls-to-spouse?src=RSS_PUBLIC&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed:+myreaderfeed+(Jason's+Google+Reader)

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If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company.  "


Friday, November 5, 2010

Providing Home Care for an Older Adult: A Good Fit?


By Kate Rauch, Caring.com senior editor

What to consider when an older adult needs daily care at home
When someone you're caring for begins to need daily care, one option is to set up systems to provide care in her own home. Whether this will work depends on many factors, including her health and your ability to give or hire care. The first step is to realistically review what's involved.
Will it work on a practical level for her to live at home?
  • Start with a medical consultation. When an older adult needs daily assistance, start by consulting with her doctor about housing options. Be sure to ask how her needs could change over time, which may influence your decision.
  • Home safety and accessibility. Her house may need adaptations, such as grab bars in the bathroom, handrails, and wheelchair ramps. Are these changes doable? Will stairs, stoops, and narrow hallways make getting around difficult or impossible if she uses a wheelchair or walker?
  • Room for overnight caregivers. If she needs 24-hour in-home care, is there sleeping space for an overnight caregiver or room for another bed or large couch?
  • Space for equipment or supplies. Does she have enough room for a hospital bed (bulkier than a regular bed), commode, oxygen tank, or other portable medical equipment if needed?
  • Bathing. Because they're weak or have trouble balancing, some older adults can only bathe in a bathtub. Others need a freestanding shower stall with handholds. Can these adaptations be made?
  • Proximity to you. Does she live close enough so you can assist with her care without long commutes? If she lives far away, can you manage -- and afford -- the traveling back and forth, or can you afford to hire a caregiver and possibly even a care manager?

Can you or she afford it?
  • Will you need to cut back on your work hours? In some cases, managing home care in someone else's house is only possible if you, your spouse, or another caregiver leaves a job or works reduced hours. Can you afford this?
  • Paid caregivers. Providing daily care often requires the help of paid caregivers, including overnight coverage. Factor this into your budget.
  • Home upgrades or accommodations. Consider the costs of any needed remodels, safety-proofing, or accessibility accommodations such as wheelchair ramps.
  • Distance. If the older adult lives far from you, take into account the costs of commuting and long-distance calls -- it might be worth buying an unlimited calling plan.

Do you have enough caregiving and emotional support to provide daily care to an older adult?

There's rarely one perfect solution for providing daily care. It boils down to weighing and balancing many factors to settle on the best option. Home care is challenging, but it can also be deeply rewarding. Caring for an older adult in her home is a great choice for some and simply not workable for others. Other options to consider include moving her into your home or into an assisted-living community.
Support considerations
  • Caregiving support. Daily care requires hours of labor. Many people use a combination of family members, friends, and paid caregivers. Are you comfortable building and managing a network of caregivers? Do you have family members or friends who can pitch in and help on a regular or occasional basis, especially if you can't afford hired help?
  • Outside caregivers in her home. Is she comfortable having paid "stranger" caregivers in her home?
  • Overnight care. Will she need 24-hour care? If so, how do you feel about organizing this level of care? It can be especially tricky if you live far away, but possible if you have enough family friends or relatives and can hire some help.
  • Breaks. All caregivers need time off, and sick days are inevitable. Any care plan should include backup for caregivers, including you.
  • Emergencies or unexpected events. Obviously, an emergency is more challenging if you're not on the scene. If a caregiver suddenly quits or the person in your care has a medical emergency in the middle of the night, you'll need to have a plan in place. Apersonal emergency response system is also a good idea.
  • Your daily routine. Can you adjust your routines to make enough time for daily care management if you don't have hired help? Do you have scheduling wiggle room; or are you OK with cutting back on your activities if necessary, including what you do for fun?
  • Getting her out and about. Will she need to be driven everywhere, by you or someone else, or can she use public transportation or paratransit? Are there reliable senior transportation or paratransit services in her area?

Emotional considerations
  • Your feelings. Being responsible for a frail older adult can be draining, especially if she's very sick or experiencing dementia. Do you think you can handle all of this emotionally, and do you have the support you need?
  • The older adult's feelings. Most older adults prefer staying in their homes, or "aging in place," for as long as they're able, and it's beneficial for their health and well-being. But some are more relaxed in a situation where they feel more supported, like an assisted-living community or your home. Pay close attention to her opinions and ideas, and give her as much control as possible.
  • Family dynamics. Spouses, kids, and grandkids can all be affected by home care, even when it's done in the older adult's home rather than your own. What will change for your family? How do you think it will affect your marriage? Consider holding a family meeting or two to discuss changes, fears, and expectations. Remember that caring for someone usually has rewards, too.
  • The reality of intimate care. Daily care can include personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and feeding. Some people are more comfortable with this than others. If you can't afford a paid caregiver, can you handle these tasks?
  • Your instincts. Does your gut tell you it's a workable situation?

http://www.caring.com/articles/daily-home-care

"Learn About Senior In Home Health Care in Mid Tennessee Senior Helpers Provides Many services in the Mid Tennessee area. We provide a full array of Home Care services for seniors and the elderly living in this beautiful area. Our Home Care Services are provided by bonded and insured employees and all employees pass a National Background check. If you need Home Care services in Adams, Alexandria, Auburntown, Bethpage, Brush Creek, Carthage, Castalian Springs, Cedar Hill, Chestnut Mound, Cottontown, Cross Plains, Dixon Springs, Elmwood, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Gordonsville, Greenbrier, Hartsville, Hendersonville, Hickman, Joelton, Lafayette, Lancaster, Lascassas, Lebanon, Madison, Moss, Mount Juliet, Nashville, Old Hickory, Orlinda, Pleasant Shade, Pleasant View, Portland, Red Boiling Springs, Riddleton, Springfield, Watertown, Westmoreland, White Creek, White House, Whitleyville and the surrounding areas we are an excellent choice with impeccable references. Home Health Care for your elderly loved ones is never an easy choice but we can promise we will do our best to make it as painless as possible. From our family to yours we sincerely thank you for considering Senior Helpers of Mid Tennessee Home Health Care Company. "